Septic system service · Middletown, NY · reviewed since 2013
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%80+43.6Reliability 24%82+19.9Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty56−4.4Experts Score= 80Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.80SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#49 of 66 septic tank servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 26%
4.7★★★★★104 Google reviews · 24 photos
90%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
88%reviews answered by the owner
$595typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Google reviewers rate Dawes Septic and Repair 4.7 out of 5 based on 104 reviews. Customers frequently praise the company for punctual arrivals, clear communication, and fair pricing for services like tank pumping and system repairs. Many highlight the staff’s professionalism and willingness to explain processes without upselling. However, a few low-star reviews cite issues with unreturned phone calls, high initial quotes, and difficulty scheduling appointments due to a full calendar.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 104 reviews (90% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 104 Google reviews (95 with written comments, 4 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 88% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 4, 2026.
Service: Septic Tank Service serving Middletown, New York.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other septic tank services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: craft & service.
Dawes Septic and RepairSeptic Tank Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Dawes Septic and Repair: 80/100 on this factor. Category median: 91.A
80
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Dawes Septic and Repair: 82/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
82
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Dawes Septic and Repair: 56/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.C
56
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Dawes Septic and Repair: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Dawes Septic and Repair: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Dawes Septic and Repair: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 72.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
104 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars9490%
4 stars33%
3 stars11%
2 stars00%
1 star66%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 95 written reviews
97%praise
Praise18697%
Complaints63%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price00%
Reasonable583%
Overpriced00%
Not sure117%
$595+39% vs typical septic tank services
Middle half of what 4 customers paid ($463–$721) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude5529%
Speed & response3619%
Would recommend3317%
Quality & results2312%
Price & value179%
Communication168%
Honesty & trust126%
What customers talk about
We read 95 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Fast, professional, knowledgeable, and somehow managed to make a crappy situation a whole lot less crappy 💩, and they really know their $#!”
“We had a pipe flood in our remodeled home and they rallied immediately to come diagnose things and work with our contractor to fix them.”
“Many thanks to all of the Dawes team, we highly recommend them and always refer other homeowners to them.”
“The technicians were not only professional but also patient and thorough, answering all my questions with clarity.”
“I would not use anyone else for my Septic Services and they were very affordable.”
“Ridiculous quote (very expensive) said she would call back, NEVER DID !”
“…t even pump it properly), Dawes' Jason found the correct tank & lid, explained the whole process and showed me EVERYTHING, every step of the way.…”
“Incredibly professional, easy-going, and honest people.”
People customers mention
Becky12 reviews
Carl7 reviews
Melinda3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Dawes Septic and Repair for 4 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
VVashtiLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Incredibly professional, easy-going, and honest people. Did a septic tank pumping, and while the last company that came out insisted that I needed to replace the tank (and didn't even pump it properly), Dawes' Jason found the correct tank & lid, explained the whole process and showed me EVERYTHING, every step of the…
Paid $400–600
TTakiraLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
The service was amazing. The young men were professional, pleasant, and knowledgeable. You are in good hands when it comes to this company. I would definitely recommend.
Paid $600–700Reasonable price
KKevinLocal Guide · 51 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
The Tim & Jim show came out to our house today and they were great. Super professional without being stuffy or indirect. Jim gave a courtesy call 30 minutes before he arrived, so I wasn't in that 4-hour window wondering when they'd arrive. He never tried to upsell me on anything. He communicated clearly, in a way…
Nobody wants to call a septic company, but if you have to, call Dave’s Septic and Repair! They show up, handle the dirty work, and get everything flowing the way nature intended.
Fast, professional, knowledgeable, and somehow managed to make a crappy situation a whole lot less crappy 💩, and they really know their $#!T.
You could say their service is number one when you’re dealing with number two. 💩
J
Jessica SierraLocal Guide · 34 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jessica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Incredibly professional, easy-going, and honest people. Did a septic tank pumping, and while the last company that came out insisted that I needed to replace the tank (and didn't even pump it properly), Dawes' Jason found the correct tank & lid, explained the whole process and showed me EVERYTHING, every step of the way. Didn't patronize me, didn't upsell, just provided exceptional, friendly service. If you're on the fence, please go with these guys, they're the best!
Price: $400–600
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!
Im so happy to learn Jason took great care of you and truly appreciate your trust, referrals, and kind words.
I see he held true to our core value, and mission with his overall service. We're pretty proud of his accomplishments so far, he's been with us 7months now and has been a great addition to our family here.
We appreciate the opportunity to work with you!
-Becky
J
Jeff DoyleLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jeff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Trouble on Saturday afternoon. Was texting with Becky within an hour. Gave me stop gap measure to get us flowing. Which I couldn't do Saturday. Followed up with me Sunday to talked me through fix. I've been in customer service business for 40 yrs. Becky's custom service was above and beyond anything I expected. Thank you very much!!!
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Drain cleaning
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Appreciate you sharing Jeff, thank you!
These shituations dont hold a schedule, we get that!
It was my pleasure!
Becky
J
Jim LongLocal Guide · 53 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We used Dawes in the past when we first purchased a home with a septic system. The owners Carl and Becky were incredibly helpful, as was Melinda and their 2 techs. We had a pipe flood in our remodeled home and they rallied immediately to come diagnose things and work with our contractor to fix them. Recently, we are selling the home and needed them to visit the property to diagnose an issue. The owner Carl was kind to run over there and get back to me quickly, stating what needed to be done and to tell me they would do it today, so we stay on our timelines for inspection. Many thanks to all of the Dawes team, we highly recommend them and always refer other homeowners to them.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Very kind of you to take the time, we consider that the highest compliment!
Its always been a pleasure working with you Jim, we wish you all our best on this next venture!! -Becky
C
Christian Arteaga10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Christian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The service was amazing. The young men were professional, pleasant, and knowledgeable. You are in good hands when it comes to this company. I would definitely recommend.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Price: $600–700
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you Takira, Jacob and Jorge take pride in their work and its nice to see you recognize that!
We appreciate the opportunity to work on this with you!
-Becky Dawes
A
Andrew MischoLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andrew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Scheduled for a pump out of an old semi abandoned system by my barn. They tested for solids and determined it had been put down clean and only had some rainwater in it. Seeing that I was a plumber they offered to just let me pump the water out and save the money.
That level of honesty is the reason I will never call or recommend anybody else to anyone ever.
K
Kevin MaherLocal Guide · 51 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kevin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The Tim & Jim show came out to our house today and they were great. Super professional without being stuffy or indirect. Jim gave a courtesy call 30 minutes before he arrived, so I wasn't in that 4-hour window wondering when they'd arrive. He never tried to upsell me on anything. He communicated clearly, in a way that was direct, friendly and insightful. All of my questions were answered clearly, in ways that made sense. The work was thorough and professional. But they didn't waste any time while there were here. After the job was done, Tim was able to walk me through some options for my next steps. He was equally candid and personable. Dawes is a small, family-owned business where I feel a strong sense of trust. I will work with them in the future and recommend them to friends.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Price: $800–900
Services: Drain cleaning
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
lol these guys have really enjoyed presenting themselves this way, and I just love the fun theyre having with it.....all while staying true to our core values and providing the quality service you expect. Appreciate your time in sharing Kevin, thank you!!! -Becky
L
Logan RosenLocal Guide · 32 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Logan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dawes recently replaced the septic tank at our house. The whole team was very professional and friendly, including Becky, Carl, and CJ. While it took some time to get a site visit, it was definitely worth going with Dawes for this work — they clearly take pride in what they do, and the work went without a hitch. Would highly recommend Dawes for any of your septic needs.
Services: Septic system installation
Response from the owner · a year ago
We so appreciate your support, its been a pleasure working with you guys!!!
Thanks for taking a chance on us! -Becky Dawes
